Xianglong Li was born in 1995 in Huangshi, China. He currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Illustrated Book Studio of the China Central Academy of Fine Arts and obtained his Master of Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in New York.
His recent solo exhibitions include: “Gas Station X”at Vanguard Gallery (2024), “East Hollywood” at SNAP (2023) and “Stay home, make your contribution to the Society” at Latitude Gallery (2021). Notable group exhibitions include: “Infinite Games” at SNAP(2024), “Echoes of Home” at RIVVA Gallery (2023), “Double Trouble” at VillageOneArt (2022), and “Night Flight” at the Royal Society of American Art (2021) etc.
Xianglong, thank you for joining. Can you please introduce more about yourself?
Thank you for inviting me to this interview. My name is Xianglong Li, I am a painter based in New York, originally from Huangshi, China. My work involves the appropriation of symbols to design and adapt social events and daily life, focusing on the cultural dislocation and fragmentation of information brought about by modern communication methods such as pop culture and internet images. My works, which include painting, video, and meme, reconstruct a kind of observation and reflection that lies outside mainstream language through seemingly playful and absurd images.
Are there specific experiences or environments that continually inspire your work?
I remember my first freelance job in the art and design industry in New York, where I designed a series of brand marketing advertisements for a marijuana company, using memes as the marketing strategy. While others were still debating whether graphic design should be minimalist or maximalist, my colleagues and I at the studio were already exchanging memes, turning the hot topic and daily conversations that made us laugh into marketing tools for the brand. It was from this work experience that I integrated what I had learned into my personal creations.
As a result, you’ll find that my paintings resemble meme-like diaries—fragmented, yet maintaining a coherent narrative. The playfulness and even absurdity in my work is a reflection on the “let-it-rot” lifestyle of the youth—a downbeat sentiment paired with a carefree meme. Everyone hopes for an unexpected comeback, but everyone also engages in self-deprecation. The “negative positivity” is an emotion I infuse into my work, using humor and absurdity in painting as a form of entertainment self-mockery to achieve psychological healing, resolution, and release.
How has your practice evolved with your experience living and working in different settings?
In general, once my art piece is finished, it signals the completion of that phase for me. It’s likely that I won’t revisit it for quite some time because, as an artist, my greatest satisfaction comes from the act of crafting the art itself rather than from sending it off to galleries or exhibiting it in white cube spaces. Beyond being an artist, I’ve explored various roles: designing graphic advertisements for marijuana companies, foundering an artist-run gallery, and as an art director, organizing a variety of art events in a diverse art space. To me, the essence of work lies in the continual pursuit of new experiences in life. Having a regular job doesn’t necessarily stifle an artist’s creativity. Life is a tapestry woven from these scattered, mundane threads, and it’s all about how you weave them together and whether they contribute to your next meaningful endeavor.
What do you hope viewers take away from the narratives or emotions in your work?
My art is heavily influenced by my upbringing in industrial Chinese cities and my current residence in Brooklyn, New York, where street culture plays a significant role. I draw inspiration from the diverse cultural backgrounds of street youth and my memories of the “Gu Huo Zai” figures from Hong Kong gangster movies, particularly “Young and Dangerous”. This conveys a sense of casual adaptability and illustrates how my 90s generation coped with the absurdity of reality. I firmly believe that cultural and environmental differences shouldn’t hinder self-expression, and I deeply respect and appreciate individuals from diverse backgrounds. This is also the message I hope viewers can feel from my paintings.
What does “community” mean to you, and how do you see yourself in a community?
During my school time, I was surrounded by peers who were exploring their own identities and sense of belonging, often drawn to distinct cultures or groups. Many gravitated toward non-mainstream and gang-affiliated styles, using their appearance and actions to assert their individuality. They transformed themselves with artistic elements, often crafting unique clothing from oversized school uniforms, adding graffiti-inspired patterns, or experimenting boldly with hairstyles.
While these choices might have appeared rebellious or unconventional, they represented a genuine pursuit of self-expression. I was captivated by their way of life, which defied the homogeneity of campus culture and celebrated alternative beauty and personal identity. This was a pivotal time for me, as the concept of beauty took root in my mind. I began experimenting with painting, design, and any medium that allowed me to shape my aesthetic.
In such environments, it became clear that every individual, regardless of their cultural background or group affiliation, carries a unique set of values and lifestyle choices. I realized that understanding and respecting others’ paths while staying true to oneself is essential. Within this context of exploration and self-discovery, I chose to pursue my path as an artist.
Do you have any advice that you would offer to others?
I think, as an artist, it’s essential not to overthink. Sometimes, you just have to go with your gut instincts and let your creativity take the lead. Art is about being impulsive. If you want your artwork to convey specific messages or themes clearly, I believe the artist behind it should be someone who is not fun. Otherwise, life might seem pretty dull. It’s a truth I wish I had known before diving into the art world.
text & photo courtesy of Xianglong Li
- Website: https://www.xianglongli.com
- Instagram: @wakeupdragon
